Observation of efficacy of radiotherapy combined with xeloda monotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients with rectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of radiotherapy combined with xeloda monotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients with rectal cancer. Methods 80 elderly patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively collected.The patients were assigned into study group (n=43) or control group (n=37) according to the treatment way.The study group adopted radiotherapy combined with xeloda, while the control group only treated with radiotherapy.The main indicators included major clinical outcomes (3-year survival rate, recurrence rate, progression free survival), and postoperative health related quality of life and major complications of the two groups were observed. Results Compared with the control group, the 3-year recurrence rate of the study group decreased significantly (25.58% vs. 48.65%, χ2=4.579, P=0.032); the progression free survival was significantly prolonged [(42.58±7.63)months vs. (34.95±6.30)months, t=7.495, P=0.000]; the quality of health related life after 1 year increased significantly [(75.50±8.11) vs. (69.76±9.58), t=3.295, P=0.002]. There were no significant differences in postoperative major complications (granulocyte reduction, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hand foot syndrome and sensory neuropathy) and 3-year survival rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion Radiotherapy combined with xeloda chemotherapy helps improve progression free survival and recurrence rate in elderly patients with rectal cancer. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Radiotherapy computer-assisted; Aged; Xeloda